€2 million cannabis growhouse seizure in westmeath

As part of an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the area, gardaí carried out a search under warrant of two residential properties in Ballinagore on Wednesday.

During the course of the searches, sophisticated growhouse operations were discovered within the properties and gardaí seized cannabis plants with the estimated value of €500,000.

Gardaí also seized cannabis herb with a total estimated value of €1.75 million in both properties.

This operation was conducted by gardaí from the Westmeath Community Engagement Area, Divisional Drugs Unit, Mullingar Crime Unit and the Regional Support Unit.

Both scenes were preserved for technical examination, which has been completed.

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further analysis.

Investigations are ongoing.

The seizures form part of Operation Tara, an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy launched by the Garda Commissioner in 2021.

The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levels – international, national, and local – involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale, and supply of controlled drugs.